CAR stun Cameroon to make history as Senegal, Nigeria and DR Congo book slots in CHAN 2024

The second leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers delivered dramatic moments on Saturday 28 December as Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, and DR Congo booked their places in the final phase of the competition.

The Central African Republic (CAR) achieved a historic first qualification by eliminating Cameroon in a stunning 2-1 comeback in Bafoussam.

Despite Angel Yondjo Matah’s opener for Cameroon in the 31st minute, Barry Nelson’s penalty equalized before Bertillon Arnold Yangana sealed victory in the 87th minute.

Cameroon, semi-finalists in 2021, failed to qualify for CHAN for the first time in seven editions.

In Bamako, Burkina Faso overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg against Côte d’Ivoire.

Goals from Aboubacar Traoré and Franck Kanté leveled the aggregate score, forcing penalties.

The Stallions held their nerve, converting four spot-kicks to the Elephants’ two, securing their spot at CHAN 2024.

DR Congo continued their dominance at home with a 3-1 victory over Chad in Kinshasa to also clinch their spot at the tournament in February.

Oscar Kabwit gave the Leopards an early lead, with Jonathan Mokonzi and Nyembo Ntumba sealing the win in the second half after Chad briefly equalized through Ahmat Abdraman.

Elsewhere, Guinea confirmed their superiority over Guinea-Bissau with a 2-1 away win, completing a 6-2 aggregate triumph.

Goals from Mohamed Saliou Bangoura and Naby Bangoura ensured Guinea’s qualification under coach Souleymane Camara Abedy.

Meanwhile, Senegal defeated Liberia 3-0 to also secure their place thanks to goals by Oumar Ba, Baye Ciss, and Madione Mbaye to secure their ticket to the tournament.

In Uyo, Nigeria’s local Super Eagles secured a 3-1 win over Ghana’s Black Galaxies to book their place.

Quick goals from Sadiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, and Saviour Isaac in the first half proved decisive, with Stephen Amankona scoring a consolation for Ghana.

On Friday, Angola and Sudan also booked their places in the tournament set to be held in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania after eliminating Togo and Ethiopia respectively.

The final four spots for the CHAN 2024 tournament will be determined on Sunday, with the highlight being Mali looking to recover from a 1-0 loss in their first-leg clash against Mauritania.

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Sunday fixtures

Madagascar vs Eswatini

Congo vs Equatorial Guinea

DR Congo vs Chad

Mali vs Mauritania